TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ternate’s mangrove forest area in North Maluku has shrunk up to 90 percent. The Biology Research Center and LIPI stated that there are only four locations left currently. The area is no more than 100 meters with large-diameter trees.

Mangrove species in Ternate that are heading to extinction are Sonneratia alba, Rhizophora apiculata, Ipomoea pes-capriae, and Avicennia marina. Mangrove forests in a number of locations such as Sulamadaha, Takome, Mangga Dua, and Kalumata has 35 species of mangroves from 29 genus and 23 families.

The beach location that directly borders with a steep cliff makes the mangroves difficult to flourish. Meanwhile, the mangrove forest is a nursery ground, feeding ground, and spawning ground of a number of aquatic animals such as fishes, shrimps, and clams.

“On the field, there might only be 5 percent of forest area left,” said the Gambesi youth figure Ikram Sangaji on Tuesday, December 27, 2016.

According to Ikram, the situation is generally caused by frequent land reclamation took place in Ternate. Other than that, the public's knowledge about the importance of mangrove is also lacking.

He said that back in the 90s, Ternate’s mangrove forests used to be the place for people to fish. Many locals relied on mangrove forests to fulfill their needs of firewood and fish supply.

"Now, it's not anymore."

BUDHY NURGIANTO